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Playing for Keeps #1
Rookie Move
Falling for a teammate who also happens to be your brother's best friend? Total rookie move.
McRAE: I’ve had a crush on my brother’s best friend since the moment I laid eyes on him four years ago.
Warner Ramsey is 225 pounds of pure hotness, a media darling, and one of the best NFL quarterbacks in the league.
Hell, he’s the reason I figured out I’m solidly bi.
It was easy to keep my crush under control when I was in college. Now, we play for the same team, and every time he talks smack, I want to shut him up. With my mouth.
But I’ve got other things I should be focusing on, like dominating my rookie year with the Denver Rush and finally stepping out of my brother’s shadow.
Besides, Ramsey’s straight.
RAMSEY: I’ve never tapped into my bisexuality—never told anyone except my best friend that I’m bi. All I want is to play football and not draw media attention like my dad, who got ousted from the league.
Garrett McRae is my biggest temptation. He’s gotten under my skin for years.
I’m supposed to be looking out for him, not thinking about getting him naked.
And definitely not the kiss we shared.
That I somehow instigated.
It was stupid, and not like me, but God, it was hot.
We’re teammates, with million-dollar contracts on the line. And yet…is a little experimentation really so bad?
Rookie Move is a low-angst, high-heat sports romance in the Playing for Keeps series.
McRAE: I’ve had a crush on my brother’s best friend since the moment I laid eyes on him four years ago.
Warner Ramsey is 225 pounds of pure hotness, a media darling, and one of the best NFL quarterbacks in the league.
Hell, he’s the reason I figured out I’m solidly bi.
It was easy to keep my crush under control when I was in college. Now, we play for the same team, and every time he talks smack, I want to shut him up. With my mouth.
But I’ve got other things I should be focusing on, like dominating my rookie year with the Denver Rush and finally stepping out of my brother’s shadow.
Besides, Ramsey’s straight.
RAMSEY: I’ve never tapped into my bisexuality—never told anyone except my best friend that I’m bi. All I want is to play football and not draw media attention like my dad, who got ousted from the league.
Garrett McRae is my biggest temptation. He’s gotten under my skin for years.
I’m supposed to be looking out for him, not thinking about getting him naked.
And definitely not the kiss we shared.
That I somehow instigated.
It was stupid, and not like me, but God, it was hot.
We’re teammates, with million-dollar contracts on the line. And yet…is a little experimentation really so bad?
Rookie Move is a low-angst, high-heat sports romance in the Playing for Keeps series.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2022
About the author
Riley Hart
104 books6,417 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 580 reviews
June 1, 2022
***3.0 rating***
"He was supposed to be an itch I’d scratched, then moved on, but somehow he had burrowed beneath my skin, sank down, and rooted himself in the marrow of my bones, and yeah, that was some poetic fucking shit, but it was how I felt. He’d somehow become a part of me, this extension of myself that lived inside me"
sigh.
This was a very disappointing read. So cliché, predictable and just overall basic in terms of everything (plot, characters, character development...blah blah).
All the new MM releases have been bland and boring. I am tired of reading 3 star reads. I have no one to blame but myself🤡.
I don't even care to write a long review.
That's when you know it is bad.
Think every MM sports romance that includes good looking athletes with the typical bi-awakening trope with one MC having not ever been with a man but is suddenly sexually gifted and he cannot commit to the MC for god knows why and you have this book. Same recycled plot and characters. Very disappointing. These two authors have previously written great books and it hurts to see this type of work from them.
Yeah I am just gonna leave it at that... don't care to write more. A total flop.
Bye.
"He was supposed to be an itch I’d scratched, then moved on, but somehow he had burrowed beneath my skin, sank down, and rooted himself in the marrow of my bones, and yeah, that was some poetic fucking shit, but it was how I felt. He’d somehow become a part of me, this extension of myself that lived inside me"
sigh.
This was a very disappointing read. So cliché, predictable and just overall basic in terms of everything (plot, characters, character development...blah blah).
All the new MM releases have been bland and boring. I am tired of reading 3 star reads. I have no one to blame but myself🤡.
I don't even care to write a long review.
That's when you know it is bad.
Think every MM sports romance that includes good looking athletes with the typical bi-awakening trope with one MC having not ever been with a man but is suddenly sexually gifted and he cannot commit to the MC for god knows why and you have this book. Same recycled plot and characters. Very disappointing. These two authors have previously written great books and it hurts to see this type of work from them.
Yeah I am just gonna leave it at that... don't care to write more. A total flop.
Bye.
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June 24, 2022
Rookie Move is book one in the Playing for Keeps series by Riley Hart and Neve Wilder. This is a MM, sports, brothers best friend romance. I love MM sports romance and couldn’t wait to get going on this but I have to admit, I wasn’t prepared for the level at how MUCH I loved this book. I adored everything about these two and swooned right up to the very last page. What a fabulous book this is!
Garrett McRae has loved the game of football all his life. It helped that his older brother also played football. He played for the Denver Rush as a Wide Receiver. When Garrett was eighteen and just about to start his college football career, all it took was a few minutes with his brothers best friend, Warner Ramsey, the quarterback for The Rush, to confirm something he had suspected for a long time...he was bi. Because his body woke up in every way imaginable when he was near.
Now it’s four years later. Garrett’s brother’s football career was ended due to an injury and Garrett is drafted into the same team. Garrett isn’t looking forward to having to be compared to his brother every step of the way. And then there is that pesky crush he’s never been able to shake for Warner. But he’ll do his best because this is his dream, to play for the NFL. And nothing will get in his way.
Warner Ramsey has known he was bi for a very long time. But being a quarterback puts him in the public eye so Warner chose to never act on his feelings. The time wasn’t right. And, now, he has Garrett to deal with. Garrett who is all grown up now. His body reacts to him every time he is near. Garrett’s brother asked him to watch out for him but he might not have asked him to do that if he knew the sorts of things he was thinking. Garrett is not only a team mate, a rookie, and his best friends younger brother, all of which put him in the hands off category.
Once Garrett finds out that Warner is bi sexual, he has some ideas of his own. Who better to teach him all about being with men than someone he can trust. They can be friends with benefits until they burn out. Right?! The idea would have worked, if feelings hadn’t gotten involved.
This book was low on the angst but high on the swoon. I loved it so much! These two were scorching hot, their banter was so much fun, and they were just adorable together. I loved that they were each other’s first priority, even before they figured out their feelings. I’ve read and loved both of these authors individually so I was so excited to see what they came up with together and wow! Now I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. I have an idea of what it might be but we’ll have to wait and see. But for now, if you haven’t read this yet, please go ahead and grab it. I hope you love Warner and Garrett as much as I did!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Garrett McRae has loved the game of football all his life. It helped that his older brother also played football. He played for the Denver Rush as a Wide Receiver. When Garrett was eighteen and just about to start his college football career, all it took was a few minutes with his brothers best friend, Warner Ramsey, the quarterback for The Rush, to confirm something he had suspected for a long time...he was bi. Because his body woke up in every way imaginable when he was near.
Now it’s four years later. Garrett’s brother’s football career was ended due to an injury and Garrett is drafted into the same team. Garrett isn’t looking forward to having to be compared to his brother every step of the way. And then there is that pesky crush he’s never been able to shake for Warner. But he’ll do his best because this is his dream, to play for the NFL. And nothing will get in his way.
Warner Ramsey has known he was bi for a very long time. But being a quarterback puts him in the public eye so Warner chose to never act on his feelings. The time wasn’t right. And, now, he has Garrett to deal with. Garrett who is all grown up now. His body reacts to him every time he is near. Garrett’s brother asked him to watch out for him but he might not have asked him to do that if he knew the sorts of things he was thinking. Garrett is not only a team mate, a rookie, and his best friends younger brother, all of which put him in the hands off category.
Once Garrett finds out that Warner is bi sexual, he has some ideas of his own. Who better to teach him all about being with men than someone he can trust. They can be friends with benefits until they burn out. Right?! The idea would have worked, if feelings hadn’t gotten involved.
This book was low on the angst but high on the swoon. I loved it so much! These two were scorching hot, their banter was so much fun, and they were just adorable together. I loved that they were each other’s first priority, even before they figured out their feelings. I’ve read and loved both of these authors individually so I was so excited to see what they came up with together and wow! Now I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. I have an idea of what it might be but we’ll have to wait and see. But for now, if you haven’t read this yet, please go ahead and grab it. I hope you love Warner and Garrett as much as I did!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 25, 2022
*** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***
Rookie Move is a wonderfully sweet forbidden romance between a brother's best friend and teammate. Rookie Move is a fun story about two teammates taken by surprise when feelings start to surface for one and resurface for another.
Garrett and Ramsey are a joy from start to finish. Their chemistry sizzles throughout and makes you wonder how they could be so blind to their own feelings for so long.
Another winning aspect of Rookie Move is the lighthearted snarky banter between Garrett and Ramsey, they are so utterly clueless as to their feelings that you can't help but smile.
These authors wrote a great romance and makes me eager for their next one.
Rookie Move is a wonderfully sweet forbidden romance between a brother's best friend and teammate. Rookie Move is a fun story about two teammates taken by surprise when feelings start to surface for one and resurface for another.
Garrett and Ramsey are a joy from start to finish. Their chemistry sizzles throughout and makes you wonder how they could be so blind to their own feelings for so long.
Another winning aspect of Rookie Move is the lighthearted snarky banter between Garrett and Ramsey, they are so utterly clueless as to their feelings that you can't help but smile.
These authors wrote a great romance and makes me eager for their next one.
May 22, 2022
|| 4.0 stars ||
For the past four years Ramsey and Garrett have seen each other a couple of times a year, mostly during the holidays, in which they tease and banter together. The reason they see each other from time to time is because Ramsey is best friends with Garrett's older brother, Houston, with whom Ramsey is in the same NFL team. These two don't dislike each other at all, but do give one another a whole lot of shit. They've definitely had a lot of chemistry from the very beginning.
At the start of this book, Houston has had a career ending injury, while Garrett has finally finished college and is about to be drafted into the NFL. Shockingly, Garrett is chosen by the same team his brother used to play for and Ramsey still plays for. He isn't exactly thrilled about this, seeing how he doesn't like to be compared to his brother too much. Nonetheless, Houston, protective brother that he is, asks Ramsey to keep an eye out for his baby brother, and Ramsey has no problem accepting, especially since he enjoys spending time with Garrett, even if he thinks Garrett is a bit cocky and reckless.
The more time these two spend together, the more fun they have. They become genuine friends and hang out all the damn time. They banter and have more open conversations. They get to know each other, and Ramsey finds that Garrett is more than just his best-friend's little brother. They grow a deeper bond, and it's not long until the attraction they've both felt for each other since like forever starts to take a forefront in their mind, and they kiss. They decide to go with a friends-with-benefits arrangement, but how long is it before undeniable feelings begin to bubble up? And what then? How could they ever be more when it would be very frowned upon for two teammates to be in a relationship?
I genuinely loved Garrett and Ramsey together. They had a very natural connection; their relationship was quite the slow-burn, and I appreciated how we got to see them grow closer and closer as time went on. I also loved that they never lost their easy banter: their chemistry was amazing and their interactions were always a lot of fun.
They honestly have a very good relationship, and they are pretty much perfect for each other. There is never any drama or angst between them. Both are very easy-going, and don't stress too much about things. They had such a healthy relationship, even if they were friends-with-benefits which doesn't exactly scream 'healthy'. But, well. It was. They were super supportive and respectful of each other, even with all the teasing and messing around. And I loved that; it made me love these two as a couple so much.
But, of course, every pro has its flipside, and I do wish that we had had maybe a little bit of conflict in the relationship somewhere: I would have loved seeing them having to fight for each other, even if it was just for a little bit. Instead, everything was so smooth-sailing between them, even with all the issues that could have come from them being teammates and Ramsey being Garrett's brother's best friend. The fact that this wasn't there, might also be why I loved the first half of this book more than the second.
All in all, this was a very fun and sweet football romance, and I loved the chemistry, banter and connection between this couple. I enjoyed this book a lot, and swooned quite a few times! I'd recommend it to anyone who likes these types of books, because it's a really good one!
For the past four years Ramsey and Garrett have seen each other a couple of times a year, mostly during the holidays, in which they tease and banter together. The reason they see each other from time to time is because Ramsey is best friends with Garrett's older brother, Houston, with whom Ramsey is in the same NFL team. These two don't dislike each other at all, but do give one another a whole lot of shit. They've definitely had a lot of chemistry from the very beginning.
At the start of this book, Houston has had a career ending injury, while Garrett has finally finished college and is about to be drafted into the NFL. Shockingly, Garrett is chosen by the same team his brother used to play for and Ramsey still plays for. He isn't exactly thrilled about this, seeing how he doesn't like to be compared to his brother too much. Nonetheless, Houston, protective brother that he is, asks Ramsey to keep an eye out for his baby brother, and Ramsey has no problem accepting, especially since he enjoys spending time with Garrett, even if he thinks Garrett is a bit cocky and reckless.
The more time these two spend together, the more fun they have. They become genuine friends and hang out all the damn time. They banter and have more open conversations. They get to know each other, and Ramsey finds that Garrett is more than just his best-friend's little brother. They grow a deeper bond, and it's not long until the attraction they've both felt for each other since like forever starts to take a forefront in their mind, and they kiss. They decide to go with a friends-with-benefits arrangement, but how long is it before undeniable feelings begin to bubble up? And what then? How could they ever be more when it would be very frowned upon for two teammates to be in a relationship?
I genuinely loved Garrett and Ramsey together. They had a very natural connection; their relationship was quite the slow-burn, and I appreciated how we got to see them grow closer and closer as time went on. I also loved that they never lost their easy banter: their chemistry was amazing and their interactions were always a lot of fun.
They honestly have a very good relationship, and they are pretty much perfect for each other. There is never any drama or angst between them. Both are very easy-going, and don't stress too much about things. They had such a healthy relationship, even if they were friends-with-benefits which doesn't exactly scream 'healthy'. But, well. It was. They were super supportive and respectful of each other, even with all the teasing and messing around. And I loved that; it made me love these two as a couple so much.
But, of course, every pro has its flipside, and I do wish that we had had maybe a little bit of conflict in the relationship somewhere: I would have loved seeing them having to fight for each other, even if it was just for a little bit. Instead, everything was so smooth-sailing between them, even with all the issues that could have come from them being teammates and Ramsey being Garrett's brother's best friend. The fact that this wasn't there, might also be why I loved the first half of this book more than the second.
All in all, this was a very fun and sweet football romance, and I loved the chemistry, banter and connection between this couple. I enjoyed this book a lot, and swooned quite a few times! I'd recommend it to anyone who likes these types of books, because it's a really good one!
July 31, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story -3.75 stars
I went into this one with very low expectations and I ended up enjoying it.🎉🤸♂️
I loved the banter and the easygoing nature between the MCs. 🤩
It was sweet,🥰 cute, predictable but I din't care about that.
Loved the chemistry between the MCs. 😍
Overall, it was fun and just what the doctor recommended. I hope Houston's book is going to be amazing. I love him already. 😭😭😍
Story -3.75 stars
I went into this one with very low expectations and I ended up enjoying it.🎉🤸♂️
I loved the banter and the easygoing nature between the MCs. 🤩
It was sweet,🥰 cute, predictable but I din't care about that.
Loved the chemistry between the MCs. 😍
Overall, it was fun and just what the doctor recommended. I hope Houston's book is going to be amazing. I love him already. 😭😭😍
Read
May 22, 2022DNF @ 50% and skimmed to the end.
No rating... although with the skimming it would be a 3 star maybe.
I'm baffled by my reaction to this book.
This is Neve Wilder, who I love.
Riley, was one of my first and most favorite MM authors.... before the last slew of books which are frankly, too fluffy for her. where is Riley with the edge? Old School Riley needs to make a comeback.
And I was struggling to finish past the 20% mark.
I never warmed up to either MC.
The CONSTANT banter was a turn off. I think I'm over all the joking and ribbing that is really just too silly for my taste lately.
It was all too easy, too nice, too forgettable.
This makes me sad. I had high hopes.
No rating... although with the skimming it would be a 3 star maybe.
I'm baffled by my reaction to this book.
This is Neve Wilder, who I love.
Riley, was one of my first and most favorite MM authors.... before the last slew of books which are frankly, too fluffy for her. where is Riley with the edge? Old School Riley needs to make a comeback.
And I was struggling to finish past the 20% mark.
I never warmed up to either MC.
The CONSTANT banter was a turn off. I think I'm over all the joking and ribbing that is really just too silly for my taste lately.
It was all too easy, too nice, too forgettable.
This makes me sad. I had high hopes.
May 17, 2023
Ohhh absolutely not. Nope nope nope. The banter was ridiculous and never ending. It seeped into every conversation these two had and made the sexy times…decidedly unsexy! Neither of the guys felt different from each other and this issue was even more apparent because of the whole non-stop bantering thing so they’d be flirting and whatnot the exact same way the other guy did twenty seconds ago. Painfully dull and boring book with extremely forgettable characters. Weird pacing too and everything was just so by the numbers and not an exciting or new moment in site. I felt zero emotions reading this. I will always read Riley’s books but I don’t vibe with them as much as I used to for sure :(
May 28, 2022
4.25 wholesome “naaaaaaw!” stars.
I really enjoyed this. A LOT. It had that perfect mix of Riley Hart’s heartwarming romance with Neve Wilder’s “hot AF” passionate scenes.
I really enjoy the “older brother’s best friend” trope, and this one was well done. Ramsey is Garrett’s brother Houston’s best friend, after they initially played in the same NFL team before Houston was injured & left the sport. Garrett has crushed on Ramsey from a distance (of course), thinking that Ramsey was het, but now they’re on the same team together. They start hanging out more after training, and Ramsey lets Garrett know he’s bi. They move forward with a bit of sexual experimentation for Ramsey, a FWB arrangement, but (of course) they both develop an attack of the feels.
Minimal angst, no huge drama except for a homophobic teammate, a difficult family member & an injury. Kinda predictable, but still enjoyed it a lot. Left me with that little kernel of happiness in my heart.
It’s book 1 in a series so I can’t wait to see who will be next. My bet is Houston and Whitt…
I really enjoyed this. A LOT. It had that perfect mix of Riley Hart’s heartwarming romance with Neve Wilder’s “hot AF” passionate scenes.
I really enjoy the “older brother’s best friend” trope, and this one was well done. Ramsey is Garrett’s brother Houston’s best friend, after they initially played in the same NFL team before Houston was injured & left the sport. Garrett has crushed on Ramsey from a distance (of course), thinking that Ramsey was het, but now they’re on the same team together. They start hanging out more after training, and Ramsey lets Garrett know he’s bi. They move forward with a bit of sexual experimentation for Ramsey, a FWB arrangement, but (of course) they both develop an attack of the feels.
Minimal angst, no huge drama except for a homophobic teammate, a difficult family member & an injury. Kinda predictable, but still enjoyed it a lot. Left me with that little kernel of happiness in my heart.
It’s book 1 in a series so I can’t wait to see who will be next. My bet is Houston and Whitt…
August 13, 2022
4 Stars
An M/M sports romance, featuring two bisexual leads with inferno levels of couple chemistry, with a splash of friends-to-lovers and a dash of “it’s forbidden” angst, written by not one but two of my fave one-click authors!?... Yes, please and thank-you!
I had a fun time with this story and sometimes that's all I really care about. As other reader’s have stated, it’s not particularly original or ground-breaking, but I feel like favourite tropes are favourite tropes for a reason, if you catch my drift!?
Naturally, for a Wilder and Hart story this was all the expected levels of sexy and steamy. These authors are great at a lot of different things, but they are also two of the best M/M authors around when it comes to writing sexy, angsty, sports romances, where two jocks collide and combust in the hottest ways possible.
I especially loved the best-friends-brother dynamic shared between MCs, Garrett and Warner—which, unsurprisingly, is also a favourite trope of mine. The playful banter and the innate protectiveness between these two is ever present, which made their coupling all the more perfect when they finally gave in to their mutual attraction and rising feelings.
I liked the NFL backdrop and I liked all (or mostly all) of the side characters, enough so that I’d happily venture back into this world of queer sports players and their complicated love lives with eagerness.
This may have been the first co-authored adventure for Wilder and Hart, but it’s a collaboration that worked damn well for me and I will unquestionably be back for any (and all) future combined efforts.
******************************************
Audio Edition:
Narrated by Nick J. Russo. Need I say more!?
An M/M sports romance, featuring two bisexual leads with inferno levels of couple chemistry, with a splash of friends-to-lovers and a dash of “it’s forbidden” angst, written by not one but two of my fave one-click authors!?... Yes, please and thank-you!
I had a fun time with this story and sometimes that's all I really care about. As other reader’s have stated, it’s not particularly original or ground-breaking, but I feel like favourite tropes are favourite tropes for a reason, if you catch my drift!?
Naturally, for a Wilder and Hart story this was all the expected levels of sexy and steamy. These authors are great at a lot of different things, but they are also two of the best M/M authors around when it comes to writing sexy, angsty, sports romances, where two jocks collide and combust in the hottest ways possible.
I especially loved the best-friends-brother dynamic shared between MCs, Garrett and Warner—which, unsurprisingly, is also a favourite trope of mine. The playful banter and the innate protectiveness between these two is ever present, which made their coupling all the more perfect when they finally gave in to their mutual attraction and rising feelings.
I liked the NFL backdrop and I liked all (or mostly all) of the side characters, enough so that I’d happily venture back into this world of queer sports players and their complicated love lives with eagerness.
This may have been the first co-authored adventure for Wilder and Hart, but it’s a collaboration that worked damn well for me and I will unquestionably be back for any (and all) future combined efforts.
******************************************
Audio Edition:
Narrated by Nick J. Russo. Need I say more!?
May 24, 2022
LOOK the mcs were cute and had so much potential!!! if only their story broke away from the formulaic mold and packed on more substance apart from numerous sex scenes….but in this case, even the main conflict was resolved off-page so not the most satisfactory conclusion.
had the bones for something great but sadly missed the mark 😔
had the bones for something great but sadly missed the mark 😔
June 23, 2022
A very enjoyable first collaboration between Neve Wilder and Riley Hart.
This is in the universe of Riley Hart's series, Atlanta Lightning, as this book mentions the two MC's in football from both books, Anson and Darren.
I think Neve Wilder complimented Riley Hart really well. She made the sex scenes, which a lot of the time I find lacking in Hart books, unfortunately, very enjoyable and sexy in this, and the chemistry was very much there.
I think where the Atlanta Lightning books dragged a bit and were slow at times, this book overall was nicely paced and kept my interest throughout.
In this, we're focusing on Warren Ramsey, the best friend of Houston McRae, who is the older brother of Garrett McRae, who is following in his brother's steps and joining the NFL.
Houston was also in the NFL, only in the past year he sustained a career ending injury to his knee, and was only in the NFL for about 3/4 years.
During his rookie season, Garrett attends an NFL party with him, and there he met Ramsey for the first time, and had a crush instantly.
But Ramsey had a girlfriend at the time, and Garrett thought he was straight.
4 years later, and Garrett is finishing college and about to be drafted. Ramsey is still on the same Denver NFL team without Houston, and he and Garrett have seen each other a few times over the years, but never long enough. Garrett has always had an underlying crush on him, but Ramsey was in the closet for years, going from woman to woman.
Ramsey is bisexual as well, but has never actually been with a man. Garrett came out pretty soon after he met Ramsey in his senior year of high school, so he's be out and proud for awhile, and he goes into the league being out.
And of course Garrett is drafted to the same team that his older brother had been on, and the one Ramsey is still on.
Garrett didn't want that, because he didn't want to constantly be compared to his brother, or feel guilt that he was getting to play on the same team as Houston use to play on. Or be so close to Ramsey all the time, as well. He wanted to make a name for himself all on his own, without the shadow of Houston's legacy hanging over him, and not be tempted by Ramsey all the time.
On Ramsey's part, the more time he's around Garrett, the more his attraction to him is coming out, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore the part of himself that is attracted to guys, specifically Garrett in this case.
Of course they soon start a sexual relationship with each other, under the guise that it's "easy and convenient" and also easy for Ramsey to explore his bisexuality without potentially getting outed as well.
Of course they start to fall for each other and of course they never stop. Well, they do for a short few weeks to try to focus on the game and the playoffs, but other than that, they can't really stay away from each other.
I really enjoyed these two together and their relationship, it was definitely the best part of this book.
I gave a star off for a few niggles I had, such as these two always joking and bantering, never really balancing that out with seriousness. They had a few moments here and there where they were serious, but it wasn't enough.
Just the constant "I'm so hot, I'm the best, you sooo want me, no I don't but actually I secretly do" jokes and teasing got to be a bit much at times. At first it was fine, but they did it constantly and it got a little annoying, and steadily more annoying the longer it went on. Like, be serious for once and upfront about how you feel.
Which, they do near the end...but it's still surrounded by "haha I'm joking, i don't like you that much" jokes and I was just rolling my eyes at that point.
But when they weren't doing the jokes, they were engaging and fun and interesting together, and they had great chemistry. I loved them together.
My other niggle was the kind of...lack of any drama at all? It all felt so anticlimactic. And not even realistic, except with the Houston situation. But even then it's like...they decide to tell him early on, they tell him, it's not that big a deal to him, he takes it well, and then that's that.
They have to deal with one homophobic asshole on the team, but other than that it's smooth sailing. Even when their coach and then the entire team find out about them, there isn't much fanfare except from the one (1) entitled, homophobic prick. But he gets shut down quickly by the coach, so it doesn't even really go anywhere.
In the epilogue we learn that they've been found out by the press already, and it was a big deal, but then after a few weeks it all died down and now it's just like 'whatever' and it was just so...like, whatever. That didn't give a ton of plot to the story.
The only other slightly dramatic portion - aside from the homophobic teammate - was Ramsey's asshole of a father, who eventually also didn't become such a big deal. He was still a shit, but he seemed to be trying the littlest bit at the end, mainly because Ramsey invites him over for dinner - this man who verbally and emotionally abused him all his life, it's just that easy for him to try to make peace with him?
It just felt too easy. There's too much drama, and then there's basically no drama. Find a happy medium, please. At least have let them come out to the world with their relationship and then we get the fallout from that, which would be a big deal and wouldn't just blow over within a few weeks in the real world. It wouldn't just be a footnote in the media after a few weeks.
So those were my main niggles in this book that had me give a star off.
But otherwise this was a fun first installment from this author duo and I can't wait for more. I hope we get Houston's book next, because we didn't get to learn much about him. Like yeah he's Garrett's brother and Ramsey's best friend, and we know he's bisexual as well, but other than that he was just kind of there to be a sounding board to Ramsey and Garrett, so I'm intrigued with him.
Overall, I definitely recommend this. It was a solid, enjoyable start to the series, and to these two collaborating together.
👍 Two thumbs up from me! 👍
This is in the universe of Riley Hart's series, Atlanta Lightning, as this book mentions the two MC's in football from both books, Anson and Darren.
I think Neve Wilder complimented Riley Hart really well. She made the sex scenes, which a lot of the time I find lacking in Hart books, unfortunately, very enjoyable and sexy in this, and the chemistry was very much there.
I think where the Atlanta Lightning books dragged a bit and were slow at times, this book overall was nicely paced and kept my interest throughout.
In this, we're focusing on Warren Ramsey, the best friend of Houston McRae, who is the older brother of Garrett McRae, who is following in his brother's steps and joining the NFL.
Houston was also in the NFL, only in the past year he sustained a career ending injury to his knee, and was only in the NFL for about 3/4 years.
During his rookie season, Garrett attends an NFL party with him, and there he met Ramsey for the first time, and had a crush instantly.
But Ramsey had a girlfriend at the time, and Garrett thought he was straight.
4 years later, and Garrett is finishing college and about to be drafted. Ramsey is still on the same Denver NFL team without Houston, and he and Garrett have seen each other a few times over the years, but never long enough. Garrett has always had an underlying crush on him, but Ramsey was in the closet for years, going from woman to woman.
Ramsey is bisexual as well, but has never actually been with a man. Garrett came out pretty soon after he met Ramsey in his senior year of high school, so he's be out and proud for awhile, and he goes into the league being out.
And of course Garrett is drafted to the same team that his older brother had been on, and the one Ramsey is still on.
Garrett didn't want that, because he didn't want to constantly be compared to his brother, or feel guilt that he was getting to play on the same team as Houston use to play on. Or be so close to Ramsey all the time, as well. He wanted to make a name for himself all on his own, without the shadow of Houston's legacy hanging over him, and not be tempted by Ramsey all the time.
On Ramsey's part, the more time he's around Garrett, the more his attraction to him is coming out, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore the part of himself that is attracted to guys, specifically Garrett in this case.
Of course they soon start a sexual relationship with each other, under the guise that it's "easy and convenient" and also easy for Ramsey to explore his bisexuality without potentially getting outed as well.
Of course they start to fall for each other and of course they never stop. Well, they do for a short few weeks to try to focus on the game and the playoffs, but other than that, they can't really stay away from each other.
I really enjoyed these two together and their relationship, it was definitely the best part of this book.
I gave a star off for a few niggles I had, such as these two always joking and bantering, never really balancing that out with seriousness. They had a few moments here and there where they were serious, but it wasn't enough.
Just the constant "I'm so hot, I'm the best, you sooo want me, no I don't but actually I secretly do" jokes and teasing got to be a bit much at times. At first it was fine, but they did it constantly and it got a little annoying, and steadily more annoying the longer it went on. Like, be serious for once and upfront about how you feel.
Which, they do near the end...but it's still surrounded by "haha I'm joking, i don't like you that much" jokes and I was just rolling my eyes at that point.
But when they weren't doing the jokes, they were engaging and fun and interesting together, and they had great chemistry. I loved them together.
My other niggle was the kind of...lack of any drama at all? It all felt so anticlimactic. And not even realistic, except with the Houston situation. But even then it's like...they decide to tell him early on, they tell him, it's not that big a deal to him, he takes it well, and then that's that.
They have to deal with one homophobic asshole on the team, but other than that it's smooth sailing. Even when their coach and then the entire team find out about them, there isn't much fanfare except from the one (1) entitled, homophobic prick. But he gets shut down quickly by the coach, so it doesn't even really go anywhere.
In the epilogue we learn that they've been found out by the press already, and it was a big deal, but then after a few weeks it all died down and now it's just like 'whatever' and it was just so...like, whatever. That didn't give a ton of plot to the story.
The only other slightly dramatic portion - aside from the homophobic teammate - was Ramsey's asshole of a father, who eventually also didn't become such a big deal. He was still a shit, but he seemed to be trying the littlest bit at the end, mainly because Ramsey invites him over for dinner - this man who verbally and emotionally abused him all his life, it's just that easy for him to try to make peace with him?
It just felt too easy. There's too much drama, and then there's basically no drama. Find a happy medium, please. At least have let them come out to the world with their relationship and then we get the fallout from that, which would be a big deal and wouldn't just blow over within a few weeks in the real world. It wouldn't just be a footnote in the media after a few weeks.
So those were my main niggles in this book that had me give a star off.
But otherwise this was a fun first installment from this author duo and I can't wait for more. I hope we get Houston's book next, because we didn't get to learn much about him. Like yeah he's Garrett's brother and Ramsey's best friend, and we know he's bisexual as well, but other than that he was just kind of there to be a sounding board to Ramsey and Garrett, so I'm intrigued with him.
Overall, I definitely recommend this. It was a solid, enjoyable start to the series, and to these two collaborating together.
👍 Two thumbs up from me! 👍
Read
July 22, 2022DNF. 14% and already skimming.
Gorgeous cover. I thought I needed cute funny and sexy right now. But turns out, this book is not what I need. It’s not you, it’s me. 🤷♀️
Gorgeous cover. I thought I needed cute funny and sexy right now. But turns out, this book is not what I need. It’s not you, it’s me. 🤷♀️
Read
August 29, 2022DNF @ 27% - everything is so dragged out.
July 5, 2022
Not bad, but tbh I expected more from these authors.
I really love them both, and esp Neve Wilder is known for her usually very intense scenes. And yes, we get some of those.
Why didn’t I like it more, you ask? Well for one there was a lot of football talk, and while I knew beforehand that is a sports romance, it was… too much? All the talk about ”getting a W” or shouting things like ”WHITE 80! WHITE 80! SET HUT!”
Or stuff like ”getting the D from the Ramsinator” (I kid you not, Ramsey actually said that, even if he meant it as a joke), or being in the mood for Vitamin D. I mean - how old are they? 12?
Then at one point Ramsay commenting about letting Garret push his way through the D, which is probably some kind of football term and I ended up confused because of all the different Ds 🤣
Anyway. It’s not bad, both Ramsay and Garret are likable and the chemistry is definitely there.
If you like books about football, you’ll probably like this one, too. I for one will probably stick to hockey and figure skating in the future 😬
I really love them both, and esp Neve Wilder is known for her usually very intense scenes. And yes, we get some of those.
Why didn’t I like it more, you ask? Well for one there was a lot of football talk, and while I knew beforehand that is a sports romance, it was… too much? All the talk about ”getting a W” or shouting things like ”WHITE 80! WHITE 80! SET HUT!”
Or stuff like ”getting the D from the Ramsinator” (I kid you not, Ramsey actually said that, even if he meant it as a joke), or being in the mood for Vitamin D. I mean - how old are they? 12?
Then at one point Ramsay commenting about letting Garret push his way through the D, which is probably some kind of football term and I ended up confused because of all the different Ds 🤣
Anyway. It’s not bad, both Ramsay and Garret are likable and the chemistry is definitely there.
If you like books about football, you’ll probably like this one, too. I for one will probably stick to hockey and figure skating in the future 😬
July 20, 2022
The plot is a little bit cliché and some events seem to be like other sports books, but I enjoyed it nevertheless
February 2, 2024
This was sweet. A lot like other low-angst sports romance books with the teammates-to-lovers trope, maybe, but I‘m not complaining. Garrett and Ramsey had great chemistry, and I absolutely loved the banter (& the nicknames!) and their healthy relationship.
October 3, 2023
✰3.5 stars✰ rounded up
This book was super low angst and overall a pleasant read.
Our main characters, Garrett and Warner, feel almost indistinguishable to me. Garrett was a little cockier in the first half of the book but by the end both of them almost felt like the exact same personality. There wasn’t anything wrong with this necessarily, just if you’re looking for characters who read more independent and have a chemistry because of that this might not be your jam.
Despite feeling very similar when reading between the two perspectives, the banter between them is great and helps draw them as their own characters. But I wished we would have gotten a little more romance as their situation started to develop. What we did get though, and I’m not complaining, was a plethora of sexy scenes.
I really needed a book where I could turn my mind off, read some spice, and have an ending that feels good and this book delivered that for me. It’s not very plot driven but that wasn’t what I was in the mood for this week so it genuinely just hit a good spot for me.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something fun, quick and spicy!
I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing, or where I was going, or why I suddenly wanted him so much, it was hard to breathe.
This book was super low angst and overall a pleasant read.
Our main characters, Garrett and Warner, feel almost indistinguishable to me. Garrett was a little cockier in the first half of the book but by the end both of them almost felt like the exact same personality. There wasn’t anything wrong with this necessarily, just if you’re looking for characters who read more independent and have a chemistry because of that this might not be your jam.
Despite feeling very similar when reading between the two perspectives, the banter between them is great and helps draw them as their own characters. But I wished we would have gotten a little more romance as their situation started to develop. What we did get though, and I’m not complaining, was a plethora of sexy scenes.
He was supposed to be an itch I’d scratched, then moved on, but somehow he had burrowed beneath my skin, sank down, and rooted himself in the marrow of my bones, and yeah, that was some poetic fucking shit, but it was how I felt. He’d somehow become a part of me, this extension of myself that lived inside me.
I really needed a book where I could turn my mind off, read some spice, and have an ending that feels good and this book delivered that for me. It’s not very plot driven but that wasn’t what I was in the mood for this week so it genuinely just hit a good spot for me.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something fun, quick and spicy!
July 18, 2022
2.5 stars ⭐️ the story was bland and boring.
January 31, 2024
"Kissing your best friend's brother and NFL teammate is a great idea......said no one ever."
How good is it when two of your favourite MM authors get together to write the first in a series of sports romance books?!
Rookie Move by Riley Hart and Neve Wilder is just perfect. We are introduced to Garrett McRae and Warner Ramsey in this instalment.
Warner is the star quarterback with the Denver Rush and Garrett is the rookie on the team. They've known each other for some time, because Warner is Garrett's big brother's (Houston) best friend. Garrett is openly bi, and it turns out Warner is too, except not so openly - only Houston knows that he is. Their snarky banter is divine! Are you salivating already?!
Houston asks Warner to key an eye on his little brother - and that soon becomes a hot and heavy case of 'friends with benefits'. Throw in being team bros, a homophobic teammate and some NFL million dollar contracts on the line and you have a drool-worthy combination.
TROPES INCLUDE:
🌶 friends to lovers
🌶 opposites attract
🌶 snarky banter
🌶 all the steam
🌶 sports romance
🌶 best friend's brother
🌶 forced proximity
🌶 teammates
Highly Recommended!
4.5 steamy stars.
How good is it when two of your favourite MM authors get together to write the first in a series of sports romance books?!
Rookie Move by Riley Hart and Neve Wilder is just perfect. We are introduced to Garrett McRae and Warner Ramsey in this instalment.
Warner is the star quarterback with the Denver Rush and Garrett is the rookie on the team. They've known each other for some time, because Warner is Garrett's big brother's (Houston) best friend. Garrett is openly bi, and it turns out Warner is too, except not so openly - only Houston knows that he is. Their snarky banter is divine! Are you salivating already?!
Houston asks Warner to key an eye on his little brother - and that soon becomes a hot and heavy case of 'friends with benefits'. Throw in being team bros, a homophobic teammate and some NFL million dollar contracts on the line and you have a drool-worthy combination.
TROPES INCLUDE:
🌶 friends to lovers
🌶 opposites attract
🌶 snarky banter
🌶 all the steam
🌶 sports romance
🌶 best friend's brother
🌶 forced proximity
🌶 teammates
Highly Recommended!
4.5 steamy stars.
May 25, 2022
My brain is at war with itself. On one hand, I'm totally aware that this book was telling a story we've all heard before, likely many times. On the other hand, this book was so much fun to read that I can't bring myself to hate on it too much. Garrett and Warner were adorable. The denial those two lived in...I can't say for sure, but I don't think most friends with bennies cuddle or exchange kisses over morning coffee. I loved the banter and the brief moments of jealousy and the way they basically didn't want to do anything without the other being there. They were both so IN the whole time. It was really cute.
So was this somewhat formulaic and predictable? Yes. Was the central issue the same as so many other MM sports romance novels? Yup. Did everything work out way too well and easily? Of course. But the ILY's felt real and earned, the steam was A+ (though a little excessive) and there were some side characters I'm very interested in. So if there's a book #2 (Houston?), count me in.
So was this somewhat formulaic and predictable? Yes. Was the central issue the same as so many other MM sports romance novels? Yup. Did everything work out way too well and easily? Of course. But the ILY's felt real and earned, the steam was A+ (though a little excessive) and there were some side characters I'm very interested in. So if there's a book #2 (Houston?), count me in.
May 20, 2022
3.5/5
Don’t judge this book on my rating cause I think I’m just in a slump and everything just feels average to me lately
Don’t judge this book on my rating cause I think I’m just in a slump and everything just feels average to me lately
May 27, 2022
MM Romance
Football Friends To Lovers
3 These Authors Can Do Better Stars
I love both of these authors and have 5 starred a lot of their books but this one is just so cliche, predictable and follows the same formula as every other MM sports romance ever. I know Riley Hart can do better because I love her angsty reads and her book The Endgame was about football and politics, two subjects I absolutely hate and yet it was a 5 star read for me. Neve Wilder is the queen of hot AF sex scenes and while there were some in this book, there were also a lot of cringy ones and too much "dude bro" shit although I did like the banter they had with one another, most of the time.
While I found this to be predictable, cliche and the same book I've read countless times before, I can't deny that I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I liked both Ramsey & Garrett as individual characters and together and their friendship made their transition into a relationship make perfect sense. In fact, they were both idiots to not realize what they had sooner. I also liked the side characters enough that I would probably keep reading this series if books came out about them. But because I love these authors and know they can do better, I can't rate this higher than 3 stars.
Football Friends To Lovers
3 These Authors Can Do Better Stars
I love both of these authors and have 5 starred a lot of their books but this one is just so cliche, predictable and follows the same formula as every other MM sports romance ever. I know Riley Hart can do better because I love her angsty reads and her book The Endgame was about football and politics, two subjects I absolutely hate and yet it was a 5 star read for me. Neve Wilder is the queen of hot AF sex scenes and while there were some in this book, there were also a lot of cringy ones and too much "dude bro" shit although I did like the banter they had with one another, most of the time.
While I found this to be predictable, cliche and the same book I've read countless times before, I can't deny that I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I liked both Ramsey & Garrett as individual characters and together and their friendship made their transition into a relationship make perfect sense. In fact, they were both idiots to not realize what they had sooner. I also liked the side characters enough that I would probably keep reading this series if books came out about them. But because I love these authors and know they can do better, I can't rate this higher than 3 stars.
May 14, 2022
This was super cute and super hot. I thought with Ramsey being closeted there would be a lot more angst but I was wrong. This book was definitely more on the lighthearted side of things which I really enjoyed. I adored Garrett. He was such a cocky little shit, but not in an annoying way. He worked hard and earned the right to be cocky about his talent.
The romance was funny in that neither of these idiots realized they were basically in a monogamous relationship. Friends with bennies my ass haha. They craved each other and not just in bed. It was actually really sweet seeing them all of a sudden clue in. And shout out to Houston, Garretts brother and Ramseys bff, for being a stand up guy. I'm hoping he gets his own HEA at some point in this series. Tucker too, but with him I get the vibes his book may lie the way of enemies to lovers with a certain rival team and if so I am so there for it!!
The romance was funny in that neither of these idiots realized they were basically in a monogamous relationship. Friends with bennies my ass haha. They craved each other and not just in bed. It was actually really sweet seeing them all of a sudden clue in. And shout out to Houston, Garretts brother and Ramseys bff, for being a stand up guy. I'm hoping he gets his own HEA at some point in this series. Tucker too, but with him I get the vibes his book may lie the way of enemies to lovers with a certain rival team and if so I am so there for it!!
April 29, 2024
3.5+ - low angst with some cute/funny moments - enjoyed
April 12, 2023
Reread/Relisten #1: April 2023
To get ready for book two, I thought a reread was in order. the second book isn't on audio yet, but when it does i am going to snatch that up so fast.
i did enjoy this read as much as i did the first time i read this book. Can't wait to read Houston's book!
4 stars: July 2022
a low, if anything, no angst book with football players. I loved Riley Hart's "Atlanta Lightning" series with Anson and Jeremy, so I was nervous coming in to this one hoping it would live up to my expectations.
i am glad i gave this a chance, i can see where some mixed reviews come in but the chemistry and banter with these two characters was great and i loved every part of it. That is why it was a high rating for me, also the writing was addictive so i devoured this book up.
i don't think that the ending is very realistic, but ehh didn't need that unnecessary drama ruining this sweetness haha.
Nick J Russo also did a great job with the narration, so highly recommend that if you like audiobooks.
To get ready for book two, I thought a reread was in order. the second book isn't on audio yet, but when it does i am going to snatch that up so fast.
i did enjoy this read as much as i did the first time i read this book. Can't wait to read Houston's book!
4 stars: July 2022
a low, if anything, no angst book with football players. I loved Riley Hart's "Atlanta Lightning" series with Anson and Jeremy, so I was nervous coming in to this one hoping it would live up to my expectations.
i am glad i gave this a chance, i can see where some mixed reviews come in but the chemistry and banter with these two characters was great and i loved every part of it. That is why it was a high rating for me, also the writing was addictive so i devoured this book up.
i don't think that the ending is very realistic, but ehh didn't need that unnecessary drama ruining this sweetness haha.
Nick J Russo also did a great job with the narration, so highly recommend that if you like audiobooks.
June 23, 2022
Well, hmmm, yeah. I saw a lot of 3-3.5 star reviews for this prior to picking it up and I'll admit I was surprised by this.
I get it now.
There wasn't anything wrong with this story, there just wasn't anything new. It is a tale as old as time so they say. I've read this same story over and over. Again, there is nothing wrong with it. I mean, you can't really go wrong with hot football players getting it on and falling in love, right?
So yeah, nothing wrong but nothing new. Bummer for me. I'm a huge Neve Wilder fan and I thought she'd bring an edge to Riley's work. I didn't even feel like this wasn't just a Riley story.
Oh well. I'll definitely continue with the series, it's for sure a comforting type or read.
I get it now.
There wasn't anything wrong with this story, there just wasn't anything new. It is a tale as old as time so they say. I've read this same story over and over. Again, there is nothing wrong with it. I mean, you can't really go wrong with hot football players getting it on and falling in love, right?
So yeah, nothing wrong but nothing new. Bummer for me. I'm a huge Neve Wilder fan and I thought she'd bring an edge to Riley's work. I didn't even feel like this wasn't just a Riley story.
Oh well. I'll definitely continue with the series, it's for sure a comforting type or read.
Read
May 25, 2022DNF
Not feeling it 🤷🏻♀️
Not feeling it 🤷🏻♀️
June 21, 2022
2.5 rounded down
How was this so long?
Bi jock friends with benefits
catch feels. Dull AF.
How was this so long?
Bi jock friends with benefits
catch feels. Dull AF.
May 25, 2022
Enjoyable sportsball romance, but not exactly anything special or memorable. The character POVs didn't seem particularly distinct to me, especially as the book progressed, and while I can appreciate the author's decisions to go a very low-angst route, it *was* lacking in tension for me, and I found how smoothly everything went in every aspect to be unbelievable--I can understand why people gravitate towards that kind of escapism, but personally, if I'm not reading SFF, I prefer to read depictions that are more realistic and reflective of our world. A decent way to pass an evening, but it's the next day and the story is already fading from my brain.
June 9, 2022
Who dis?
I rolled my eyes. "Your favorite person."
"Santa? Is that you? I knew you were real! Can I sit on your lap?"
I'm pleasantly surprised. After seeing so many readers saying this book is "meh", I was pretty confident that I wouldn't like it either. But surprisingly...I did. I really really liked "Rookie Move". That's probably because I was in the right mode. Yesterday was such a bleak day for me. I was feeling a little down. So I was looking for a book that would make me laugh. A short, cute, no-drama, no-emotional stuffs book. And Rookie move was just IT. This book was quirky and a lot of fun to read. Loved the dynamic between the characters. Their jokes never failed to make me laugh out loud. My obnoxious day just got better....
I rolled my eyes. "Your favorite person."
"Santa? Is that you? I knew you were real! Can I sit on your lap?"
I'm pleasantly surprised. After seeing so many readers saying this book is "meh", I was pretty confident that I wouldn't like it either. But surprisingly...I did. I really really liked "Rookie Move". That's probably because I was in the right mode. Yesterday was such a bleak day for me. I was feeling a little down. So I was looking for a book that would make me laugh. A short, cute, no-drama, no-emotional stuffs book. And Rookie move was just IT. This book was quirky and a lot of fun to read. Loved the dynamic between the characters. Their jokes never failed to make me laugh out loud. My obnoxious day just got better....
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